« All films are political »
 

PostED ON OCTOBER 15.10.2024

The French director originally from Greece, auteur of Z and The Confession, received a special Lumière Award at the festival's Opening Ceremony. He talks to us about his vision of cinema.

© Olivier Chassignole

STARTING FROM ZERO

If you've never seen any of my films and don't know where to start, first ask yourself what you're looking for. If you like action films with lots of movement, I'd recommend Shock Troops (1967), even though, in retrospect, I think it was a little over the top and the story could have been fleshed out more. If you prefer romantic movies, see Womanlight (1979) starring Romy Schneider and Yves Montand. It's a rather unusual, a rather tragic love story.

THE ROLE OF CINEMA

All films are political. Each viewer reacts with his or her own philosophy and feelings. You see what's happening in the world today on television. To make a film, you first need to have a story, and to love it. Why? Because we're making entertainment. The viewer has to laugh, cry, get furious...

© Sandrine Thésillat / JL Mège Photographies

A COLLECTION OF CHARACTERS

The actors are our first collaborators, after the scriptwriter. It's a very difficult job, because they have to create a character with their voice and their face. The first assistant director also has a very important job. When I started out, the first assistant director was even the director's right hand, because he had to be in charge of casting as well as scouting locations. The cinematographer is also essential, as are the set and costume designers. So a film involves a collection of characters revolving around the same story. The first assistants play an exceptional role.

ECOLOGY

The world has not fully understood that this little planet is suffering a catastrophe. This extraordinary vessel on which we live is gradually being destroyed, and we accept it. Experts have said that by 2070 we will no longer be able to live properly. But no one has taken these warnings seriously. We listen very carefully, but then we think about other things. There have already been a lot of films on this subject, but personally, I haven't yet found a story that would allow me to touch you deeply, emotionally. I'm still looking.

© Sandrine Thésillat / JL Mège Photographies

Reported by Fanny Bellocq